Porterfield leads ICC side against England

A selection of the leading Associate and Affiliate players, led by Ireland captain William Porterfield, will get their chance to compete against England, the No. 1 Test team in the world, next month after it was confirmed they will form part of England's preparations for the Test series against Pakistan in the UAE.

The team, which will be under the banner of an ICC Combined Associate and Affiliate (AM) XI, will face England from January 7-9 at the Global Cricket Academy in Dubai where players from countries below Test level regularly make use of the facilities for training. The team includes three Afghanistan players - pace bowler Hamid Hassan, allrounder Mohammad Nabi and batsman Mohammad Shahzad - while Porterfield is joined by Ireland team-mates Boyd Rankin and George Dockrell.

Rankin has been part of the England Lions set up, and is currently at a fast-bowling camp in Potchefstroom, while Dockrell, the left-arm spinner who plays for Somerset, is also on the England radar after making an impressive start to his Ireland career. Porterfield, Rankin and Dockrell were all involved in the famous World Cup match in Bangalore when Ireland beat England.

"It will be a great honour for me to lead out the Associate and Affiliate team against the No. 1 team in the longer format of the game," Porterfield said. "If you look through their squad they are full of world-class cricketers and it will be a great test for us against whatever XI they put out.

"Another challenge we face is coming together as a group ourselves; we have played against each other a few times but we will have to gel pretty quickly in the few days preparation we have in order to put in a good performance. As this is such a great chance for all the individuals to showcase their talent against the No. 1 Test team in the world, I do not see this being an issue at all."

Staging the series in the UAE, which is Pakistan's 'home' venue while they can't play in their own country, has created the issue of finding suitable warm-up opposition for England. The second game ahead of the Test series will see England face a Pakistan Board XI from January 11-13.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will prepare for the one-day series in February with a one-day international against Afghanistan. England will face their own Lions squad as they did on their previous visit to the UAE in 2010 when they played two Twenty20s against Pakistan. On that occasion the Lions beat the full team and the match saw the emergence of Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter as the opening partnership that played in the World Twenty20 in West Indies.

The first of three Tests starts in Dubai on January 17 and the tour also includes four one-day internationals and three Twenty20s.

@clarke501, let me understand this. By playing domestics in England, the standards in Ireland rise….and then what????? The better players are syphoned off by ECB and/or the players decide to have contracts with ECB whichever way you want to put it......and then what??? Where does that leave Irish Cricket? I can wake up a guy who is sleeping but not the one who is pretending to be asleep. I didn't know that the deleterious actions of ECB in syphoning off/facilitating transfer of promising youngsters from upcoming countries will have such staunch supporters. I wouldn't have believed it until I saw it myself. Now, I know. I disagree with you in spirit, word and deed, as we call it in India for a complete disagreement. Goodluck to 'England' and I sincerely hope the Irish players show some pride and loyalty towards their country. A short walk by these talented cricketers in the right direction will be seen as a giant step by their future generations.

POSTED BY
shillingsworth
on | December 19, 2011, 15:17 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - as I have stated in both my previous comments, the player decides which country he will represent. Accordingly, talk of 'syphoning off players' by boards is meaningless. If an Afghan player plays domestic cricket in Pakistan, this certainly assists the development of cricket in Afghanistan, just as Irish cricketers playing in English county cricket have raised the standards of cricket in Ireland. By all means change the rules, but it will cut off the route whereby players in Associate countries can play at the highest level and hinder the development of Associate cricket. I'm very much for real thanks. Irish cricket has made huge strides in recent years, thanks in no small measure to the close ties with the ECB.

POSTED BY
AlanHarrison
on | December 19, 2011, 11:55 GMT

@jmcilhinney: fair enough, you're expressing a point of view, as am I, but surely yours is incorrect in a, believing that this view is rarely considered (Ireland hasn't been given test status and so it seems to be the prevailing view among the powers that be as things stand), b, suggesting that from an Irish point of view it's better that Irish players do play for England (many Irish fans aren't happy about this at all). I'm not an Irish fan and don't presume to know what is best from the Irish point of view. From a wider cricketing view however I think it best that the game has the potential to expand, and whether or not Ireland is likely to be given test status soon, it doesn't make sense to undermine that potential by sucking Irish players into England colours. While many suggest giving tests to Bangladesh was a mistake, frankly I think some people are a bit prissy and elitist about standards in test cricket; look instead at the joy Bangladesh's achievements give their fans ...

POSTED BY
Cricketfan333
on | December 19, 2011, 10:42 GMT

ICC eligibility rules should be modified such that a player who represented a country or at least associate nations can't play for another country to prevent poaching of Irish and Scottish players by England even if they are willing to play for England for development of cricket.I don't think India will ever pick a Nepali or Pak pick Afghani though I am not fully sure.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 19, 2011, 10:26 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - Hey DG. I try to be balanced even if at times I subconsciously get a little too into it. In a perfect world Ireland would play test cricket but until they do I can understand their best players wanting to play for England if it's the only way of them playing tests cricket. Maybe if Ireland became a full test playing nation they might not be so free with letting them play for England. I'm not sure whether India have ever had the same situation (non Indian players playing for India). If someone from Burma or Nepal excelled , could they play for India? Anyway I've enjoyed your views (even if I don't agree with them all) and respect you for sticking with your beliefs even if it incurs the wrath of some of your own countries postees. All the best JG

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 19, 2011, 9:26 GMT

@clarke501, you are grasping at straws. So now, the talk of rules has shifted to the player from ECB. And how do these efforts of ECB and the players acting within the rules help in spreading cricket? IF Afghanistan comes up with say 2 or 3 quality players and IF PCB syphons them off within the rules or if the player decides to play for Pakistan (as per your new defence), THEN cricket is being spread to associate nations??? Are you for real? I would say the rules are hindering development of cricket in associate nations. We make the rules and rules can always be changed. When we talk of development, the first step towards stagnation is to defend the present actions by a board or a player that we are acting within the rules and so it is 'fine'. Nothing can be more meaningless or nonsensical than what you are supporting.

POSTED BY
zenboomerang
on | December 19, 2011, 3:18 GMT

@Paul Rone-Clarke... Andrew Symonds?... lol... Born to a West Indian father & Scandinavian mother in England... Adopted out to new parents who immigrated to Australia when he was 3 months old... I wonder how he would have been treated in the class riddled English society?... At least in Oz he was given a fair go & achieved the highest levels in sport... Why don't you ask him on which passport he travels on... Or even where he has always lived... ... Oz & Qld... lol... Oh... & Tahir moved to SA as an adult in his late 20's... Your point?...

POSTED BY
jmcilhinney
on | December 19, 2011, 2:42 GMT

I actually think that, from an Irish point of view, Irish players paying for England might be a good thing. Despite what some people want to believe, Ireland are some way off getting test status. People say that it's justified because Bangladesh did but that was a mistake. The ICC got burned by that decision and they will be determined not to make the same mistake again, i.e. award test status to a country that is not ready for it. With no first class competition in place, Ireland won't be considered. If Irish players can show that they are good enough to play test cricket though, the ICC will be more likely to give them consideration. Once a first class competition is in place, if several Ireland players have already played test cricket then the ICC is more likely to think that they are up to it as a nation. I'm not lobbying one way or the other; just providing a point of view that not many seem to have considered. It won't help the current Ireland limited overs side though.

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 23:08 GMT

@JG2704 thanks for clearing... and for the record i also think its silly to think that an odi series should even mean anything when playing tests... test cricket to me as dravid said is gold standard and england are looking a dominate force right now and are no.1 no one can deny that with a slight caviaet i think england will continue to get this until they play in SC and win against pak, india or SL but as you said the current crop havent had the chance...both WI and Aus did this in there hay day.... BTW 3 T20's talk about overkill

POSTED BY
on | December 19, 2011, 20:44 GMT

where is ryan ten doeschate ??

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 19, 2011, 20:43 GMT

@clarke501, let me understand this. By playing domestics in England, the standards in Ireland rise….and then what????? The better players are syphoned off by ECB and/or the players decide to have contracts with ECB whichever way you want to put it......and then what??? Where does that leave Irish Cricket? I can wake up a guy who is sleeping but not the one who is pretending to be asleep. I didn't know that the deleterious actions of ECB in syphoning off/facilitating transfer of promising youngsters from upcoming countries will have such staunch supporters. I wouldn't have believed it until I saw it myself. Now, I know. I disagree with you in spirit, word and deed, as we call it in India for a complete disagreement. Goodluck to 'England' and I sincerely hope the Irish players show some pride and loyalty towards their country. A short walk by these talented cricketers in the right direction will be seen as a giant step by their future generations.

POSTED BY
shillingsworth
on | December 19, 2011, 15:17 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - as I have stated in both my previous comments, the player decides which country he will represent. Accordingly, talk of 'syphoning off players' by boards is meaningless. If an Afghan player plays domestic cricket in Pakistan, this certainly assists the development of cricket in Afghanistan, just as Irish cricketers playing in English county cricket have raised the standards of cricket in Ireland. By all means change the rules, but it will cut off the route whereby players in Associate countries can play at the highest level and hinder the development of Associate cricket. I'm very much for real thanks. Irish cricket has made huge strides in recent years, thanks in no small measure to the close ties with the ECB.

POSTED BY
AlanHarrison
on | December 19, 2011, 11:55 GMT

@jmcilhinney: fair enough, you're expressing a point of view, as am I, but surely yours is incorrect in a, believing that this view is rarely considered (Ireland hasn't been given test status and so it seems to be the prevailing view among the powers that be as things stand), b, suggesting that from an Irish point of view it's better that Irish players do play for England (many Irish fans aren't happy about this at all). I'm not an Irish fan and don't presume to know what is best from the Irish point of view. From a wider cricketing view however I think it best that the game has the potential to expand, and whether or not Ireland is likely to be given test status soon, it doesn't make sense to undermine that potential by sucking Irish players into England colours. While many suggest giving tests to Bangladesh was a mistake, frankly I think some people are a bit prissy and elitist about standards in test cricket; look instead at the joy Bangladesh's achievements give their fans ...

POSTED BY
Cricketfan333
on | December 19, 2011, 10:42 GMT

ICC eligibility rules should be modified such that a player who represented a country or at least associate nations can't play for another country to prevent poaching of Irish and Scottish players by England even if they are willing to play for England for development of cricket.I don't think India will ever pick a Nepali or Pak pick Afghani though I am not fully sure.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 19, 2011, 10:26 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - Hey DG. I try to be balanced even if at times I subconsciously get a little too into it. In a perfect world Ireland would play test cricket but until they do I can understand their best players wanting to play for England if it's the only way of them playing tests cricket. Maybe if Ireland became a full test playing nation they might not be so free with letting them play for England. I'm not sure whether India have ever had the same situation (non Indian players playing for India). If someone from Burma or Nepal excelled , could they play for India? Anyway I've enjoyed your views (even if I don't agree with them all) and respect you for sticking with your beliefs even if it incurs the wrath of some of your own countries postees. All the best JG

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 19, 2011, 9:26 GMT

@clarke501, you are grasping at straws. So now, the talk of rules has shifted to the player from ECB. And how do these efforts of ECB and the players acting within the rules help in spreading cricket? IF Afghanistan comes up with say 2 or 3 quality players and IF PCB syphons them off within the rules or if the player decides to play for Pakistan (as per your new defence), THEN cricket is being spread to associate nations??? Are you for real? I would say the rules are hindering development of cricket in associate nations. We make the rules and rules can always be changed. When we talk of development, the first step towards stagnation is to defend the present actions by a board or a player that we are acting within the rules and so it is 'fine'. Nothing can be more meaningless or nonsensical than what you are supporting.

POSTED BY
zenboomerang
on | December 19, 2011, 3:18 GMT

@Paul Rone-Clarke... Andrew Symonds?... lol... Born to a West Indian father & Scandinavian mother in England... Adopted out to new parents who immigrated to Australia when he was 3 months old... I wonder how he would have been treated in the class riddled English society?... At least in Oz he was given a fair go & achieved the highest levels in sport... Why don't you ask him on which passport he travels on... Or even where he has always lived... ... Oz & Qld... lol... Oh... & Tahir moved to SA as an adult in his late 20's... Your point?...

POSTED BY
jmcilhinney
on | December 19, 2011, 2:42 GMT

I actually think that, from an Irish point of view, Irish players paying for England might be a good thing. Despite what some people want to believe, Ireland are some way off getting test status. People say that it's justified because Bangladesh did but that was a mistake. The ICC got burned by that decision and they will be determined not to make the same mistake again, i.e. award test status to a country that is not ready for it. With no first class competition in place, Ireland won't be considered. If Irish players can show that they are good enough to play test cricket though, the ICC will be more likely to give them consideration. Once a first class competition is in place, if several Ireland players have already played test cricket then the ICC is more likely to think that they are up to it as a nation. I'm not lobbying one way or the other; just providing a point of view that not many seem to have considered. It won't help the current Ireland limited overs side though.

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 23:08 GMT

@JG2704 thanks for clearing... and for the record i also think its silly to think that an odi series should even mean anything when playing tests... test cricket to me as dravid said is gold standard and england are looking a dominate force right now and are no.1 no one can deny that with a slight caviaet i think england will continue to get this until they play in SC and win against pak, india or SL but as you said the current crop havent had the chance...both WI and Aus did this in there hay day.... BTW 3 T20's talk about overkill

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 18, 2011, 22:03 GMT

@JG2704, I already posted a comment addressed to you and somehow it wasn't posted by cricinfo. Here I go again. I'm extremely pleased with your balanced view. Very much appreciated. We must strive to see that the associate nations get benefitted from us and then once a talented player or two or three come up in that country, we need to show some character and spirit and restrain from syphoning them off. ECB is doing diametrically opposite to what I espouse.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 18, 2011, 21:25 GMT

@Asghar Maqsood on (December 18 2011, 18:46 PM GMT) - . looking back at the thread it looks like I was backing Sirviv up on the post on (December 17 2011, 11:50 AM GMT) in which he was saying how silly it was saying that because of a bad series in India in one format it means that they'll fail in that country in another format. Agree with you that it is on paper a tough series and my previous posts when addressing this have said as much. The thing about England is that the only SC tests they've played in since the Flower/Strauss regime took effect was in Bangladesh that's a fact. SV has said that it means nothing but it is the only SC tour they've played. So I guess we're agreed that England's SC test record is non existent with their present line up rather than bad. For the record I think Eng win the test series by a solitary test , lose the ODI series and the T20 could go either way

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 18:46 GMT

@JG2704 i am sure sirviv1973 is more than capable to answer anyone who suggests that england should not be number one based on there ODI record. As it was me who was having a cricket discussion with SirViv im guessing that your post may have been aimed at me, which if the case i suggest you read my post.... if its not meant for me than apologies for the wrong assumption. as in my last post i think the likely outcome will be a draw and i have listed my reasons why and waiting for someone to tell me otherwise and there reasons... should make for an interesting series better than some of the opposition pak have played recently in UAE. i am an england fan but when it comes to eng vs Pak i support pak but i could watch 4 day county game...

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 18, 2011, 16:43 GMT

@SirViv1973 - We've been getting these arguments for months on here and it is hard to use logic when debating with the blinkered brigade. We've had more than one person saying that our test ranking should drop because of our poor OD form. I'm kind of surprised these people don't think our test ranking should drop because of our poor Rugby world cup? It's actually quite funny how these people can't/won't differentiate between the 2 formats. Also the last time we played in SC (exc Bang) was 3 years ago. 3 years can be a long time in cricket as we all know

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 18, 2011, 16:43 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - I'd like these associate teams to play test cricket. Then at least the players will have the choice of which country to choose. Maybe Morgan, Dockrell etc would play for Ireland if they were a test playing nation. I'm not sure how viable it would be to have a 2nd tier for Bangladesh , Zimbabwe , Holland, Ireland , Afghanistan , Canada etc and eventually have it as a league format with promotion up for grabs? I'm guessing it would be hard to organise but I feel that the only way the ambitious players will not be lured away from Ireland is if Ireland started playing test cricket.

POSTED BY
shillingsworth
on | December 18, 2011, 15:50 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - The rules are very simple; the player decides. It was Dockerell's decision to sign a contract with Somerset and to qualify for England. Accordingly talk of boards 'syphoning off' players is meaningless. Likewise, your suggestion that the ECB is hindering the spread of cricket is nonsense. The close links between Irish and English cricket have been crucial in aiding Ireland's development.

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 12:56 GMT

too many ODIs are played in comparison to tests i think the reason is to bring in revenue for the longer format of the game so people like me and you who obviously prefer watching tests can continue enjoying it... not sure if England will see the ODI series as a waste of time though may be a chance to to try out some young players. but also it may help some of the guys get a chance to play in those conditions so when they do go to the subcontinent it wont be so alien...

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 12:47 GMT

I think the point about players with dual nationalities is that THE PLAYERS choose..not the nations. Isn't that right Imran Tahir, Andrew Symonds and many others...

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 12:16 GMT

@SirViv1973 you used bangladesh to prove your point how good eng are in the subcontinent when I use that against to prove mine. Pak played SA in UAE couldnt take 20 wickets but like you said pak have only played weak teams... over the last 18 months who have eng played australia? a team that Pak drew with kids, sri lanka in england beating them 1-0 so did pakistan and india in england who have always struggled travelling... mate i know england are doing well in fact very well i watch all their games i also know pak are doing well i watch their games too.. may be against weaker teams like SA in UAE, NZ in NZ,SL in UAE, Ban in Ban... Pak of yesteryear have had match winners throughout there team but struggled to do what this team has done play consistently play as a team... we will have to wait and see i dont think im convinced with your argument as you prob wont be of mine...good luck to both and may the best team win in the tests...ODIs cant see eng posing a threat?

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 18, 2011, 12:00 GMT

@clarke501, thanks for reminding us the rules here. And you think I don't know the rules! I'm talking of Cricket and spreading it to other nations and you are talking of how England are within the rules in syphoning off talent. What a sorry defence! And you think staying within the rules regarding syphonig off talent will not hinder the process of spreading cricket to other nations?! Or you and ECB don't care as long as the cubby is full for the so called 'England' Team? So, this is the approach ECB wants to employ in 'spreading' cricket TO England FROM the associate nations and ECB has your staunch support. Very good. Way to go! Great strategy for 'spreading' cricket and thanks for clarifying it, Sir.

POSTED BY
SirViv1973
on | December 18, 2011, 11:45 GMT

Oh and in terms of the one dayers yes I would expect Pak to win this series but quite frankly who cares. Eng priority is too remain the no1 test team in the world. When it comes to ODI's there are far too many pointless games played and the only thing that matters is the World Cup which isn't for another 3 and half years and is in Australasia so the series in UAE will absolutely no bearing on it.

POSTED BY
SirViv1973
on | December 18, 2011, 11:38 GMT

@Asghar Maqsood, Rather than talk about what Eng did 18 mths ago you may be better served taking a bit more notice of recent results, Eng have continued to improve since the series at home against Pak last year. To be fair Pak have too but have had a run of playing all the weaker teams since. The Eng team is a team of proven match winners. When I look at Pak Younis and maybe Ajmal apart I do see too many.

POSTED BY
on | December 18, 2011, 10:30 GMT

@SirViv1973 i think your the one in for a surprise if you think the pitch wont play a huge part in the results. Pak are probably a little better than average especially in these types of conditions. my opinion is you are also making basing how good england are in non subcontinent.i think it will be a draw or even a pakistan win. my reasoning is that against bangladesh eng werent that great to be fair bang even posted a 400+ score. between fin and broad they had taken about 10 of the 40 wickets. bresnan and swan being the key. the last pak team to visit eng also won a test match with a bunch of kids with position 3-4 taken up with debutants. yes the team did poses couple of the best bowlers in the world at the time. but basically the batting was new and yousaf was called to bolster who hadnt played for a year.. this is a better battingside on a flatter wicket. hence my opinion this is likely to be a draw. however odis think there is only 1 winner pak u would agree? btw im englsh :-)

POSTED BY
sabee66
on | December 18, 2011, 5:56 GMT

why is India come into the scene when they havn't got anythign to do with this series, lol
India lost from England ...they deserved it as they are only good in papers,
waits and see what Aussie will do to them..

POSTED BY
Rahul_78
on | December 18, 2011, 5:42 GMT

A big round of applause needs to be given to ICC and specially to the person who thought of this idea. It is a great opportunity for associate players to play longer form of the game against worlds best test team. More of this kind of games need to be arranged especially in the warm ups. It will yield better benefits for the game of cricket if associates eleven play 3 days games against test sides then any Prime ministers XI. Also with all due respect when Bangladesh and Zimbabwe are playing test cricket then why Irish have been denied. I dont see ZIM or BNG beating Irish specially in Ireland in tests.

POSTED BY
RandyOZ
on | December 18, 2011, 2:58 GMT

The associates seem far stronger than the United XI. Could be an innings victory here.

POSTED BY
RandyOZ
on | December 18, 2011, 2:52 GMT

It is going to be extremely difficult to determine which side is actually the United XI in this match. I guess the easiest way is to see who has the most South Africans in the squad. The one with the most is 'England' haha!

POSTED BY
on | December 17, 2011, 22:54 GMT

The Netherlands are playing in the Carribean Twenty20. Their first match is on the tenth of January. That should explain there being no Dutch players in the squad!

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 17, 2011, 22:38 GMT

@MANU1000 - Sorry about the mistaken user name history but Man U are huge over here so you can understand why I thought that. To be honest I can empathise with arguments about Irish players being fasttracked into the England set up. My point was that I have no problem with these players bettering themselves by playing in the English CC. The one thing I also will say is that Ireland don't play test cricket. I've said it as have others. If that happened (and I don't know if it could become a realistic option) then maybe Irish players would choose to play for their own side. I suppose right now if they want to play test cricket England is the only option although I wonder if they could be fasttracked for another country if they played their cricket there?

POSTED BY
shillingsworth
on | December 17, 2011, 21:58 GMT

@Dravid_Gravitas - No one is 'syphoning off' any players. Under ICC rules, Dockerell is free to choose between playing for Ireland or representing England. He has chosen England. Accordingly he is 'on the radar', as is any other eligible county player.

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 17, 2011, 21:23 GMT

Why are we even thinking that England will lose this series? They are thoroughly professional and covered all their bases. Pak is still trying to climb up the ladder but England is at the top. I would love to see Pakistan win this series against England and I extend my support to Pakistan, our long lost brothers. But that's about it. Now get over it folks. England it is, as far as my prediction goes. Hope OhMatty reads this post - not every fan on this earth said that Pakistan will win this series. I also agree with SirViv1973 that this English team has been very professional and fit in their approach for as far as I could remember. Anybody remembers the physical conditioning of their yesteryear players - Gooch, Gatting, Robin Smith, Richard Ellison, Derek Pringle, Ealham, Giles, Fraser, Hoggard, Eddie Hemmings etc..You don't see such round or slow players in this England team anymore. Being athletic may be a novel concept to them but they implement it better than most teams right now.

POSTED BY
SirViv1973
on | December 17, 2011, 20:32 GMT

@Asghar Masqsood, Let me explain my point. In my opion beating Ban means nothing but it is the only series Eng have played in Asia since Flower took charge. I was merley trying to point out that a lot of people posting comments on here seem to think Eng can't bt Pak or SL away from home just because of the nature of the pitches. This is a very avg Pak team and a SRL team which is in complete turmoil a lot of Pak and Ind fans don't seem to basing their opinions on the personnel only the conditions which I think is wrong and why I think many of you are in for a surprise. This is the best Eng team and most professional set up I can ever remember and I certainly expect them to win both these series, I believe the home series with SAF next yr and the trip to India will be much bigger tests.

POSTED BY
PanGlupek
on | December 17, 2011, 19:13 GMT

@Willpash: To answer the question about Tendo, yes, he'd be an obvious pick in almost any (knowledgeable) person's world-non-test XI, but he's playing 1st class in New Zealand at the moment (as is Peter Borren, and Tom Cooper (in Aus), who would both probably be there too).

As for the comments about England picking Irish players, I agree that it's a shame for Ireland, as if they were ever to be given test status, I dare say they'd progress far quicker than Bangladesh have done. The reasons they won't get it, however, is not that England are able to pinch thier best players, but are too numerous to go into here.

Put yourself in the England selector's shoes though: You have the job of picking the best XI players AVAILABLE to England. The fact is, the UK has so many nationalities living there, who are eligable under the ICC's laws, to play for England, that picking only British-born players when better players are available is simply not acceptable in British society.

POSTED BY
Cricketfan333
on | December 17, 2011, 18:13 GMT

@JG2704-MANU part is just an Indian name and not English club.EPL etc is a league tournament where clubs play and normally all uses overseas players.But in international tournaments between national teams,usually countries esp those which want to play for national pride don't import players who haven't learned game in their nation or are not of their origin.Many exceptions might have occured in various sports as you said.ECB is not trying to end this phenomenon but increasing as evident from radar on Dockrell.

POSTED BY
WillPash
on | December 17, 2011, 15:49 GMT

Why is it every time I read a article about other teams, India get bought into conversation. This is England Vs ICC Combined XI. This is ridiculous; face it nobody cares about the 5-0 beating in ODIs in this case as this is preparation for the TEST SERIES. England are No1, but that is not the subject either. It is about the Associates ICC XI squad to face England in a tour opener.
Where is Tendo, Kervazee, as the Netherlands are not touring anywhere (Contrary to M. Jones comment that they are in Canada... Bit difficult to tour there in mid-Jan, if you get my drift!). Tendo is not at the Aussie Big Bash, so is the HRV cup on then I wonder.
When I want to comment about England or Australian articles, that is all I want to read about. Why do people have to mention other teams that have nothing to do with the context of the subject. Remember 'In Context'.
Anyway Associates Cricket is on the up, as it shows there could be another 15 player we could name that could compete to a good standard

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 17, 2011, 14:54 GMT

@Super_Cricketer on (December 17 2011, 05:13 AM GMT) - Got to be honest , I hope England don't take any more Irish players. Morgan is a class player and we're pleased to have him for the T20s and ODIs in particular. I can see where folk are coming from with this and Joyce is a worse example than Morgan as he's moved back again to play for Ireland. Yesteryear it took players some time to qualify to play for England - I'm thinking Hick and Lamb in particular. Mind you , taking your example re football a little further, I'm fairly sure there were several English players who have played for the Ireland football team in the past. Andy Townsend springs to mind,

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 17, 2011, 14:54 GMT

@MANU1000 on (December 17 2011, 11:28 AM GMT) - I presume that the MANU part is a reference to the football team. So by your reasoning ManU should not be playing guys like Evra , Vidic , Hernandez either?

POSTED BY
on | December 17, 2011, 14:42 GMT

@SirViv1973 agree that england are number one ... but to say they will do well coz they have won against bangladesh are you for real? the truth is everyone is a king at home.. and if you were being honest with yourself you will have to admit that the subcontinent poses a challenge england hasnt had to face on the road to no.1... i think it will prob be a draw...

POSTED BY
tomphillips
on | December 17, 2011, 14:01 GMT

@AVINASH SINGH BAGRI hahaha how can you say that when India's last overseas tour lasted 3 months and they lost every single match - oh wait no they won a 20/20 vs kent or something. well done! England havent lost an overseas test series since 2008 and ODI results have no bearing on test cricket

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | December 17, 2011, 12:54 GMT

"Dockrell, the left-arm spinner who plays for Somerset, is also on the England radar after making an impressive start to his Ireland career". I don't get this. An Ireland player on England's radar? It's a shame for the development of Cricket if England keeps syphoning off competitive players from other associate countries as USA and England kept doing in Athletics for ages now. Do the officials at ICC think that developing and spreading Cricket to all parts of the world can be done with such a syphoning off behaviour from the inventors themselves?

POSTED BY
SirViv1973
on | December 17, 2011, 12:52 GMT

@super_Cricketer I do agree with you to a certain extent although it is a tricky situation. I'm actually quite sad that Boyd Rankin has been called up by Eng Lions. He is a very important player for Ire and I didn't believe he will play much if a at all for the test side. The big problem is that Ire don't play tests so any of their better players who get selected for Eng will jump at the chance but it is not doing the development of Irish cricket any good. I really think the Icc should have allowed Ireland to play 5 day unofficial tests against the likes of Zim & Ban and given them regular 4 day games against A teams it is hoped that Ire will be able to have their own 1st class system up and running in a few yrs which could mean full test status if the right development was put in pl. The SAF players are different if they choose to commit themselves to Eng and go thru the right qualifying process then why shldn't they play for Eng, SAF still has a strong national team without them.

POSTED BY
AlanHarrison
on | December 17, 2011, 12:03 GMT

@ jmcilhinney some although not all of the best Irish players are indeed playing county cricket in England. However, firstly, I would observe that that is the counties' decisions: they aren't doing it out of a sense of altruism towards Irish cricket but because they think Irish players are good enough to get into their teams rather than alternatives (i.e., young English players), and aim to become stronger teams. If Irish players improve and get experience from this I don't see how anyone in English cricket can claim credit for that, because it's an accidental by-product, not anyone's intention. In any case, more importantly to anyone who is primarily a cricket fan and not a fan of one team, the game needs to expand globally. Ireland, who are realistic candidates for test status, should thus not be losing players to the England side rather than their playing test cricket for Ireland. I don't mind South Africans, etc playing for England but it's different with a strong Associate nation

POSTED BY
SirViv1973
on | December 17, 2011, 11:50 GMT

@AVINASH SINGH BAGRI, ENGLAND ARE NO1 TEST PLAYING NATION. correct me if i'm wrong but wasn't india's 5 nil series win an ODI series ? and as for not being able to play outside England what was last years 3 - 1 ashes series win all about ? Under Andy Flower England have played only one series in Asia against Ban and won very convincingly so I think you may be in for a surprise when England arrive in the UAE. Before you criticize England maybe you should look at your own team who clearly aren't the best of travelers hence your recent 4 nil drubbing in England. THE RANKINGS DO NOT LIE ENGLAND ARE NO1

POSTED BY
Cricketfan333
on | December 17, 2011, 11:28 GMT

@Super_Cricketer-You are absolutely right.Why are England selecting players who are neither of English origin nor has learned game in England?If so what is spirit of playing sport with own men for national pride?Dockrell,Stirling,Rankin,Morgan,Joyce all have learned game in Ireland and then started playing in counties.If England wants to play with them England team should be renamed as 'England-Ireland' team.Rankin got England Lions call yesterday and is on verge of ending Irish career.

POSTED BY
spence1324
on | December 17, 2011, 11:18 GMT

@SUPER_CRICKETER,have to disagree thats like saying that foreign players who play in the IPL are eligible to play for india. Silly questions get silly answers im afraid,besides the country championship is the only first class domestic tournament in the northern hemisphere so i would think that ireland,dutch and Scottish players would be thankful that they are getting a opportunity to showcase there talent.

POSTED BY
on | December 17, 2011, 11:04 GMT

@super_cricketer england have already taken the best irish player... if the others are better than the current crop of english players then england would certainly try...

POSTED BY
IndiaNumeroUno
on | December 17, 2011, 10:36 GMT

" ENGLAND ARE WORLD NO1'S and they will be for a long time to come."

few months is not a long time! :-))

POSTED BY
diehardcricketfan3
on | December 17, 2011, 9:58 GMT

i'm indian.. i predict the series will be 1-1...

POSTED BY
on | December 17, 2011, 9:40 GMT

England came to India against yet another depleted Indian side and the result was like 5-0 if I am not wrong....
England can't play outside England

POSTED BY
SirViv1973
on | December 17, 2011, 8:51 GMT

When it comes to England being world number 1, why are there so many jealous Indian and Pakistan fans on here ? Guys get used to it ENGLAND ARE WORLD NO1'S and they will be for a long time to come. Good move from the ECB to give these guys some exposure.

POSTED BY
GreenTeam-Elite
on | December 17, 2011, 7:47 GMT

Best Regards for both sides...I Hope Pakistani team will do better with their spinners because I feel it will be the game of spinners!!!

No matter what England do and prepare, they are going to lose the No.1 ranking in 3 months, might even be less. Just mark my words.

POSTED BY
on | December 17, 2011, 7:12 GMT

Ten Doschate and Kerveeze anyone?

POSTED BY
landl47
on | December 17, 2011, 6:55 GMT

The ICC XI obviously has to pick players who will be available- I assume ten Doeschate, Nannes, Cooper, etc. are playing in Australia and weren't available. It will be a good chance for the ICC players to get top class experience and for some, like Rankin, Stirling and Dockrell, to make a case for inclusion in the England set-up. It looks a well-balanced team and should be a good warm-up for England.

POSTED BY
Super_Cricketer
on | December 17, 2011, 5:13 GMT

@ jmcilhinney, Agreed Irish players are playing in County Cricket...that helped them a lot to improve.. that doesnt mean that England can poach the Irish players to English Cricket Team....Will English Football poach Van persie, Drogba, Zuarez, Aguero, Adebayor, Chicharito ....only because they are playing in Premier League Football.....Answer me?????

POSTED BY
harmske
on | December 17, 2011, 4:55 GMT

@OhhhMattyMatty - Tom Cooper is now ineligible for the Netherlands as he's played for Australia A. Dirk Nannes has actually switched to Australia.

POSTED BY
LeftBrain
on | December 17, 2011, 3:41 GMT

Wait, Let me understand it here. During any visit, host board have rights to assemble teams consists of their upcoming talent to provide visitors a warm up and also provide up coming young talent chance to compete at higher level and get some experience. In Pakistan, being deprived of international cricket, local youngsters do not get chance to play against international visitors and have been robbed of this experience every other country's players get during every series. Now here in UAE, Pakistan is host and should have rights to play its youngsters and provide them with this experience, ICC intervenes, and super imposed their hand picked players over a nation's players who do not get much opportunities in the first place. ICC didn't do any such thing in SA or Australia or India or any other place, why Pakistan is at the receiving end of all this....... and all intellectuals here are is hailing this decision!!!!!!!!!!

POSTED BY
alexczarn
on | December 17, 2011, 3:22 GMT

Where are the O'Briens?? I think no Cooper because he is close to playing for Australia.

POSTED BY
johnathonjosephs
on | December 17, 2011, 3:16 GMT

No Ryan Ten Doeschate?!??!?! The team is nonsense no matter what

POSTED BY
on | December 17, 2011, 0:04 GMT

it can be a cracker of series between englishmen and pakistani team :) cant waitttt... Best of Luck to both the teamss :)

POSTED BY
Tlotoxl
on | December 16, 2011, 23:45 GMT

Hey Reddy, yes England will find it more difficult to play abroad in different conditions but that is true of most teams - India, Pakistan and Bangladesh all got thrashed the last time they came to England, Sri Lanka surely would have been but for the weather and even Aus have been beaten the last two times they have came here. Just remember all them predictions before the Ashes last winter, Anderson will be a liability, the batsmen will struggle and we won that series 3-1 and that flattered Aus!

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 23:08 GMT

I think Neths are touring Canada in Jan. which probably explains the absences. Odd that the article didn't mention Stirling, he's in the 12... In principle - I think this is a step in the right direction - though I am rather suspicious of Englands motives. Some of my cricket fan friends feel it would be better to England to have played against an Associate team rather than this combined team. I'm of the view that teams touring England should warm up against Neth / Scot / Ireland rather than the counties. If this is the first step in that direction... I would be very pleased. Any of you guys here support this idea?

POSTED BY
2.14istherunrate
on | December 16, 2011, 22:43 GMT

Extraordinarily clever management by England. They can get really used to UAE
conditions.

POSTED BY
Vilander
on | December 16, 2011, 21:58 GMT

good move by ECB, congrats something that BCCI neverr did when India was No 1. But what happened to Ryan ten Doeschate was he not available ?

Looks like a good team who could challenge England. Would have been good to see a Netherlands player in there, maybe Bukhari or Borren, even if Tendo is unavailable.

POSTED BY
OhhhMattyMatty
on | December 16, 2011, 21:18 GMT

No Ryan ten Doeschate? No Tom Cooper? No Ed Joyce? No Amjad Khan? No Dirk Nannes? No Niall O'Brien? The Associate XI could be much much stronger, but well done to England and the ECB who are single handedly trying to develop other nations! We invite over the top Afghanistan players to play for the MCC. We nurture and teach the Irish/Scottish how to play cricket. Now we're supporting Namibia (South Africa's job) and UAE (Pakistan's job) too! The best and the most helpful!

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 20:54 GMT

not really a best of the rest without kervzee or RTD but still, will be good to see a couple of scots against england in a FC match. hope coetzer turns it on!

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 20:28 GMT

Where on earth is Tendo, the universally acknowledged top associate player? Strange to leave him out...

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 20:00 GMT

Imho england are a bunch of mediocres outside england !! It wont be any wonder if pak white washes them in uae.just by drawing a series in south africa and winning ashes in australia doesnt make england a great away playing nation they are yet to establish their dominance in sub continent !! Their fast wlers would surely struggle on sub continent pitches and swann is no muralitharan jut an over hyped offie

any wayy ireland was always my fav and cant wait for them to get an test status they deserve it !!!

No offence to any england fans but thats the fact india never won a series in aus or sa and england is not even near to a competitive team when they visited sub continent this is the fact !!

Surely pak gonna win hands down

POSTED BY
cricketmaniagola
on | December 16, 2011, 19:50 GMT

agree with statement in favour of Brian bros and Ryan Ten doechsate

POSTED BY
anuradha_d
on | December 16, 2011, 18:14 GMT

good thinking by ECB....not so big a news to put it up in BIG headlines

POSTED BY
Nutcutlet
on | December 16, 2011, 18:05 GMT

From England's point of view, a neat piece of planning which shows how seriously the up-coming series against Pakistan is being taken. And from the other point of view, what an opportunity for those players, esp. those from Afghanistan, to pit their skills against the top test nation of the day. How they must be looking forward to it! I wonder if Afghanistan will become to Pakistan what Ireland is to England one day? Just a thought. Incidentally, I think that this ICC composite XI looks miles stronger than a fully fledged Bangladesh test XI - which begs another question...

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 16, 2011, 17:48 GMT

Personally , I'd like to have seen us play Pakistans equivalent of our lions team. Experts in these sort of conditions. I'm not sure what conditions are like in Afghanistan but surely the Irish players are no more familiar with these conditions that our own players. A Pakistan fringe team would surely be a much better test for us.

POSTED BY
JG2704
on | December 16, 2011, 17:48 GMT

@Edd Oliver on (December 16 2011, 13:06 PM GMT) Paul Stirling is listed in the box to the right.

POSTED BY
fernandotorres
on | December 16, 2011, 17:47 GMT

@Sanjam Suri
"for those complaining about ryan ten doeschate missing, it is because he has commitments to play in t20 leagues somewhere else"

Can you inform where Ryan ten Doeschate is fulfilling his T20 commitments?? As per my memory the Zimbabwe domestic T20 ended more than 2 weeks back!! And he is not in any Big Bash League or HSV Cup teams!!

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 17:43 GMT

Wer is Rayan Tendeschate,the best associate player over the years and Kevin Obrien the world record holder of world cup cricket.

POSTED BY
tanstell87
on | December 16, 2011, 17:19 GMT

Good thinking by ECB....anyway England would have lost against a strong opposition....England with their average batting line-up may get bowled under 100....their batting is garbage in sub-continent & i am sure Pakistan will this series 3-0...the bowling attack England has is also average....& will also prove their wins against Australia,Sri Lanka & India were a big fluke...

If anyone is thinking that why Pakistan isn't preparing by playing a warmup game... The only reason is that All Pakistani test players will be playing one / two first class games in early Jan.
& England needed these two games cuz last time they played a 4 day game was against India in August, & the. 10 One Days!!
While Pakistan toured Zimbabwe, SL & is still playing against Bangladesh, so they don't even need a warmup... Cuz they have already played quite healthy amount of ODI & Tests this year!!
& Why O Why we are not having any World XI, Asia X1 etc matches!!!!

POSTED BY
Stromeon
on | December 16, 2011, 16:59 GMT

No Ryan Ten Doeschate or the O'Brien brothers... strange

POSTED BY
sawifan
on | December 16, 2011, 16:55 GMT

as Sanjam Suri said, Tendo is off plying his trade in a T20 comp, tho i would have liked to have seen Rizwan Cheema given a shot, especially after he gave the ENG bowlers a hiding in a WC warm up match. Anyway, great idea, i hope it is given 1st-class status. Good luck Associates!

POSTED BY
spence1324
on | December 16, 2011, 16:24 GMT

The best team in the world vs the best of the rest I like the sound of that.

POSTED BY
jonesy2
on | December 16, 2011, 16:15 GMT

i would back the associates team in this one no doubt especially if tommy cooper and ryan TD play

POSTED BY
bobmartin
on | December 16, 2011, 16:02 GMT

To all those who are complaining that their favoured player isn't included, think on.. For every one you would like included, someone has to be left out. More Ireland players means less from another of the Associated countries.. So let's be thankful that it's a fairly even spread and that some of these players will be exposed at the top level for the first time... Let's hope it's a resounding success and happens more often. It's certainly one way to bring on the non test playing countries... Not often I praise the ICC... but credit where it's due.

POSTED BY
jmcilhinney
on | December 16, 2011, 15:41 GMT

@AlanHarrison, you do know that all the top Irish players play county cricket in England, right? If England want to evaluate them then they have plenty of opportunity there, while the English cricket infrastructure is providing the means for the Ireland players and team to improve. Do you really think that Ireland would be where they are without English county cricket? They produce the talent but it wouldn't develop to the same extent without England's help.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 15:38 GMT

should be a good game to watch. the associate / affiliate team has some very good players in there who do not / would not disgrace the county scene. going to be a challenge for England first up just after landing

POSTED BY
MalolanR
on | December 16, 2011, 15:20 GMT

To All Those Who Say RTD Is Committed To t20 league , He Is Not Signed To Any Franchise

POSTED BY
Irelandcricketfan
on | December 16, 2011, 14:41 GMT

Brilliant idea. Porterfield is actually a good captain and excellent at making the best of the resources available. There are some good players there (Stirling should get more of a mention), but the issue will be making them gel.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 14:34 GMT

for those complaining about ryan ten doeschate missing, it is because he has commitments to play in t20 leagues somewhere else, and hiral patel really?
he had one good knock on the flattest track, the best XI is not made from just one good performance, requires consistancy, no one in canadian cricket is good enough to make it to this eleven or even a squad of 15.

POSTED BY
jabh
on | December 16, 2011, 14:33 GMT

Isnt Khurram Khan better than Saqib Ali?

POSTED BY
tfjones1978
on | December 16, 2011, 14:16 GMT

I would like to take my hat off to ICC for finally doing something to help improve associate cricket. I recommend that this become a regular occurance with "The Associates" team being given matches against each test team prior to the beginning of a test series in the grounds of that test team.
Eventually they should give "The Associates" five day matches and count them as test matches. ICup matches should then be used like first class matches to enable players to become ready for test cricket.
Following this, ICC should then allocate "The Associates" a rotation in the Future Tours Program as an 11th team with Associate teams being used for warm ups.
Its a small step for the Associates, but a giant leap for the ICC. Lets hope its leads to test cricket for "The Associates".

POSTED BY
salman_0902
on | December 16, 2011, 14:14 GMT

unfortnate for pakistani players; not to participate in the warm match where they could have shown their talent and could be picked for future matches. however good luck to Pk and English teams for a good tight series.

POSTED BY
allblue
on | December 16, 2011, 14:04 GMT

An imaginative solution to England's opponent problem in the run-up to the Tests. The players of the Combined XI should be pretty motivated and therefore give England a competitive match which is just what they want. And for the Associates it's an opportunity to show the ICC that the gap between them and the Test nations at First Class cricket is not that wide. A win-win situation, so kudos to whoever came up with the idea.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:47 GMT

Where is Ryan Tendo? He is probably the best cricketer outside the test playing nations!! He deserves to be there!!

POSTED BY
Zahidsaltin
on | December 16, 2011, 13:46 GMT

Pakistan should create more opportunities for their second ranked players who are not getting international exposure as other countries do by playing side-matches with visiting teams. Pakistan should have provided both the teams for England varm-ups. Players like Usman Sallahudin, Afaq Rahim and Navid Yasin need this.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:43 GMT

wow three T-20. finally they recognize the value of T-20 cricket. this is healthy for T-20 worldcup preparation for both teams.

POSTED BY
Adnan143
on | December 16, 2011, 13:38 GMT

a very good selection and idea to give best emerging players to test thier skills against on of the best in the business in longer format of cricket, i think it should becime a regular feature

POSTED BY
Fyfie
on | December 16, 2011, 13:35 GMT

Strange squad, where are the Dutch players? Surely ten Doeschate should have been picked.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:32 GMT

A shame Duane Levrock and Hiral Patel aren't in the squad.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:26 GMT

No ten Doeschate. Not a good associates XI.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:24 GMT

Its one contest you wouldn want your eyes to take a blink!

POSTED BY
HatsforBats
on | December 16, 2011, 13:19 GMT

Let me guess, the best performed players of the ICC Affiliates XI gets a British passport and an ECB contract?! (sorry guys, couldn't resist) In all seriousness though, it's great to see Afghani players getting the chance to play against England, their team has been something of a fairy tale these last few years.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:18 GMT

The cream of Associate cricket and yet no Ryan ten Doeschate or the O'Brien brothers???

POSTED BY
Joffa12
on | December 16, 2011, 13:18 GMT

Best idea, just wish it was proper test level status

POSTED BY
Nuxxy
on | December 16, 2011, 13:16 GMT

No Ryan ten Doeschate? Wouldn't it be funny if England lost...

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:14 GMT

Should be a good warm up, a few talented players with a point to prove should make a game of it.

POSTED BY
PiyushD
on | December 16, 2011, 13:13 GMT

should be easy for England, would like to see World XI Vs England, When Australia were No1 they won hands down.

POSTED BY
andrew.henshaw
on | December 16, 2011, 13:13 GMT

Brilliant idea!! wish it were a 4 day game! I really really hope that this will lead for further ICC combined XIs in the future. Also really happy that Afghanistan will have the chance to play Pakistan! Go Associates/Affliates!!

POSTED BY
AlanHarrison
on | December 16, 2011, 13:11 GMT

I think this match is a good idea, although I hope it is used to get more experience for the ICC players with a view to developing the Associate nations, rather than being used by England to size up certain Irish cricketers with a view to sucking them into English representative teams in the near future ... England must be relieved that it is not a fifty-over match, and that there is no sign of Ryan ten Doeschate and Kevin O'Brien on the ICC XI...

POSTED BY
Dr_Van_Nostrand
on | December 16, 2011, 13:11 GMT

Brilliant!!! Excellent move from the ICC. More exposure for the leading non-Test nations can never be a bad thing. An official ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan is also a very good decision. However I think Boyd Rankin should not be picked because of his intentions to play for England, they should be rewarding players who are loyal to their countries. Paul Stirling should be there, he is an excellent player.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:06 GMT

Think Cricinfo have missed out the fourth Irish player in the squad, Paul Stirling. Great to see the best players from outside the test nations get a chance to play England in a first class game (which I hope this will be rather than a pointless 12 or 13 a side match). Also even better to see Afghanistan finally get an ODI against a test nation-3 years after they first got ODI status!

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:00 GMT

Where is Ed Joyce?, he's the most technically correct batsman in the associate world, and of the finest left handers in the game, and they didn't select him?, not a happy camper :P...

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:00 GMT

Where is Ed Joyce?, he's the most technically correct batsman in the associate world, and of the finest left handers in the game, and they didn't select him?, not a happy camper :P...

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:06 GMT

Think Cricinfo have missed out the fourth Irish player in the squad, Paul Stirling. Great to see the best players from outside the test nations get a chance to play England in a first class game (which I hope this will be rather than a pointless 12 or 13 a side match). Also even better to see Afghanistan finally get an ODI against a test nation-3 years after they first got ODI status!

POSTED BY
Dr_Van_Nostrand
on | December 16, 2011, 13:11 GMT

Brilliant!!! Excellent move from the ICC. More exposure for the leading non-Test nations can never be a bad thing. An official ODI between Pakistan and Afghanistan is also a very good decision. However I think Boyd Rankin should not be picked because of his intentions to play for England, they should be rewarding players who are loyal to their countries. Paul Stirling should be there, he is an excellent player.

POSTED BY
AlanHarrison
on | December 16, 2011, 13:11 GMT

I think this match is a good idea, although I hope it is used to get more experience for the ICC players with a view to developing the Associate nations, rather than being used by England to size up certain Irish cricketers with a view to sucking them into English representative teams in the near future ... England must be relieved that it is not a fifty-over match, and that there is no sign of Ryan ten Doeschate and Kevin O'Brien on the ICC XI...

POSTED BY
andrew.henshaw
on | December 16, 2011, 13:13 GMT

Brilliant idea!! wish it were a 4 day game! I really really hope that this will lead for further ICC combined XIs in the future. Also really happy that Afghanistan will have the chance to play Pakistan! Go Associates/Affliates!!

POSTED BY
PiyushD
on | December 16, 2011, 13:13 GMT

should be easy for England, would like to see World XI Vs England, When Australia were No1 they won hands down.

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:14 GMT

Should be a good warm up, a few talented players with a point to prove should make a game of it.

POSTED BY
Nuxxy
on | December 16, 2011, 13:16 GMT

No Ryan ten Doeschate? Wouldn't it be funny if England lost...

POSTED BY
Joffa12
on | December 16, 2011, 13:18 GMT

Best idea, just wish it was proper test level status

POSTED BY
on | December 16, 2011, 13:18 GMT

The cream of Associate cricket and yet no Ryan ten Doeschate or the O'Brien brothers???